Jillian Michaels gives parenting tips

No, Jillian Michaels doesn't have any kids (that we know of), but she still offers some really great tips for parents in Susan Avery's Q&A on parentdish.com.

Jillian talks about being an overweight kid, even calling herself "the class loser," and recalls how her parents enabled, but ultimately helped to change, her terribly unhealthy eating habits. She addresses issues that I've thought about before, during those rare times that I actually think about trying to raise kids.

Here's a notable excerpt:

parentdish: ...How do you tell your kid, 'You're fat and you need to do something about it?' How do you start the conversation and keep it going without giving your kid body image issues?

Jillian: The most important thing a parent can do is to NOT make an issue of their child's weight. Kids interpret this as a form of criticism and often rebel by eating even more. The best thing to do is lead by example by keeping yourself fit and healthy. Make efforts to get the whole family healthy so it's not about singling your chubby little one out. Find fun social activities your child can do that will keep them active like soccer, cheerleading etc. Teach them about healthy goods to help them become a healthy grownup. Don't make it about pounds or calorie counting. Involve them in the food. Let them start a little vegetable garden so they are invested. Challenge them to find fruits and veggies in their favorite colors and so on. This helps to keep health fun and make them feel in control of their choices.

Hmmm. I wonder if Jillian's next big business move will be to come out with a line of self-help DVDs for parents. I'd actually buy one, for when/if the mommy bug ever bites me.